About us
Welcome to the group!
I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.
🌿Slow down and notice more.
🌿Grow creativity and mindfulness.
🌿Create a personal record of the seasons.
🌿Practice simple drawing and observation skills.
This is a space for people who are curious about nature, creativity, slowing down and paying attention. Whether you already keep a nature journal, love drawing, enjoy walking outdoors, or simply want to notice the world around you a little more deeply, you’re very welcome.
https://buytickets.at/debbiekersley
The group is centred around artist-led workshops and gatherings in and around Gloucestershire, including nature journaling, seasonal sketching, mindful observation, creative exploration and opportunities to connect with nature through drawing, writing and curiosity.
You don’t need to be “good at art” to join in. Many people come along because they want to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, develop a creative practice, or find ways to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. The focus is on observation and enjoyment rather than producing perfect drawings.
Here you’ll find information about upcoming workshops and classes. Feel free to introduce yourself, share what drew you to the group, or tell us about a favourite local nature spot.
If you’re new to nature journaling, don’t worry—beginners are always welcome, and simple materials are all you need to get started.
I believe that paying attention is a creative act, and that spending time with trees, birds, plants and landscapes can help us feel more connected to ourselves, each other and the places we live.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, and keep an eye out for more groups and events being added soon in Cheltenham and beyond. More details and concessions/ discounts here.
What participants say:
"Yesterday I spent the day at Westonbirt Arboretum, my first experience of Nature Journaling. The whole day was enriching, relaxing and rejuvenating from beginning to end. We learned loads of artist techniques and journaling tips, all in magical surroundings. Debbie was so thoughtful and thorough in the way she ran the event, and her knowledge and teaching skills truly amazing. We all took home our own art in a mini journal and got to use an array of tools which helped enhance the whole experience. I’m looking forward to attending more of the Westonbirt workshops, and I would thoroughly recommend attending any of Debbie’s events."
Helen
"Nature journaling with Debbie has become such a positive and grounding experience for me. It gives me the chance to slow down, focus my mind, and reconnect with the beauty of nature in a calm and peaceful way. The classes create a safe, welcoming space where my creative thoughts can flow freely, helping me feel relaxed, less stressed, and more present in the moment. Debbie is incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. She gently encourages you to open your mind to new possibilities and helps build confidence in your own creativity without any pressure or judgement. I always leave her sessions feeling calmer, inspired, and refreshed, I literally walk away from a class feeling like a different woman."
Hannah
"I love Debbie’s art journaling classes. She teaches us to really observe nature in a very detailed and thoughtful way, even something as ordinary as a dandelion is fascinating and full of beauty in her classes! We use different art techniques, mainly drawing but also some watercolour work. The classes are not only creative but also mindful and calming. Debbie creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes the whole experience really enjoyable. I always leave feeling more connected to nature and creatively refreshed."
Tracey
"Debbie has reawakened a love of nature in me and awakened a love of art. Her classes offer a tranquil escape from our busy world."
Rebecca
"Debbie chooses lovely spaces for her classes - her studio, garden or gorgeous places like Westonbirt. She is friendly and attentive to students’ needs, providing quality materials and creature comforts! We are invited to be curious about an aspect of nature, be it a flower or a woodland glade, to explore it in detail with our senses, ask questions and follow our interest. Debbie guides and supports as needed, showing how to make the most of the materials. I know I speak for more than myself when I say that I have experienced moments of awe, beauty, and peace, enhanced by the company of fellow journallers. My childhood interest in nature has reawakened, and this is enhancing my life daily."
Mel
"I’ve been attending Debbie’s nature journaling art class since January, and it has become a real highlight for me. Debbie is an excellent teacher — calm, encouraging, knowledgeable, and wonderfully inspiring. She creates a relaxed and welcoming space where you can slow down, really observe the natural world, and build confidence with your drawing and painting at your own pace. Each session feels thoughtful, creative, and restorative. I would highly recommend Debbie’s classes to anyone interested in nature, art, or simply taking a little time to reconnect with both."
Mark
I look forward to journaling in nature with you soon,
Best wishes
Debbie
Artist, nature journaler and group organiser
Upcoming events
7
Oak Hour
Oak Tree, What3Words location ///flank.hope.buddy, Lott Meadow, Leckhampton, GL53, Cheltenham, GBMonthly meet-ups at an ancient oak tree on Lott Meadow, Cheltenham
Get to know the same ancient oak tree through the seasons and learn how to:
- Do quick sketching and journalling outdoors.
- Capture 'aha' micro-nuggets and glimmers in your journal.
- Connect with nature whatever the weather.Materials: Basic supplies (sheets of paper & watercolour pencils/ water-brushes) are provided.
Feel free to bring your own journal/sketchbook and favourite materials if you wish.These sessions are currently free with an option to support my work at http://www.ko-fi.com/debk_artist
Access:
What3Words location ///flank.hope.buddy
The field can be bumpy and muddy, please wear suitable shoes and wrap up warm!
Parking is at Burrows Field or on the neighbouring streets. There is a cafe with toilets and a covered area on Burrows Field which is a 5-10 minute walk away. If the weather is very bad, we will meet at the tree for a practice of noticing and then go to the covered seating area to journal.1 attendee- £50.00
Time With A Tree at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS, United Kingdom,, Westonbirt, GBJoin artist Debbie Kersley for a morning or afternoon spent outdoors, nature journaling about some of the remarkable trees at Westonbirt Arboretum.
These sessions invite you to slow down, notice more deeply, and experience the arboretum from a different perspective.
During each morning or afternoon workshop we will focus on one tree, spending time observing, drawing and journaling in the old arboretum. In wet or cold weather, we will visit the trees first and then journal in the covered area outside the Learning Centre.
By moving between the wider presence of trees in the landscape and the smaller details found in leaves, flowers, bark, cones and seeds, nature journaling is a creative way of exploring and remembering the places we visit.
You don’t need to be ‘good’ at drawing to enjoy nature journaling — curiosity and noticing are much more important than artistic skill. Through simple, enjoyable exercises and guidance, we will explore drawing as a way of seeing more closely.
Each workshop explores a different tree and seasonal moment in the arboretum, so you are very welcome to attend more than one session. Why not bring lunch and stay for the morning and afternoon sessions?
Discounts are available for booking more than one workshop, or for booking together with friends. The Meetup price shown here is for standard tickets, please go to my booking site for concessions and multi-session discounts.1 attendee - £50.00
Time With A Tree at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS, United Kingdom,, Westonbirt, GBJoin artist Debbie Kersley for a morning or afternoon spent outdoors, nature journaling about some of the remarkable trees at Westonbirt Arboretum.
These sessions invite you to slow down, notice more deeply, and experience the arboretum from a different perspective.
During each morning or afternoon workshop we will focus on one tree, spending time observing, drawing and journaling in the old arboretum. In wet or cold weather, we will visit the trees first and then journal in the covered area outside the Learning Centre.
By moving between the wider presence of trees in the landscape and the smaller details found in leaves, flowers, bark, cones and seeds, nature journaling is a creative way of exploring and remembering the places we visit.
You don’t need to be ‘good’ at drawing to enjoy nature journaling — curiosity and noticing are much more important than artistic skill. Through simple, enjoyable exercises and guidance, we will explore drawing as a way of seeing more closely.
Each workshop explores a different tree and seasonal moment in the arboretum, so you are very welcome to attend more than one session. Why not bring lunch and stay for the morning and afternoon sessions?
Discounts are available for booking more than one workshop, or for booking together with friends. The Meetup price shown here is for standard tickets, please go to my booking site for concessions and multi-session discounts.1 attendee - £70.00
Immersed in Nature at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS, United Kingdom,, Westonbirt, GBJoin a small, welcoming group for a calm and creative day of nature journaling in the beautiful woodland of Silk Wood at Westonbirt Arboretum.
Concessions and discounts here: All details and booking here
Whether you’re new to drawing or already keep a journal, this workshop offers simple guidance, mindful observation and time to connect with nature.
Nature journaling is a gentle, creative practice of observing and recording the natural world.
Through slowing down to notice more, draw and write, we deepen our connection to nature, ourselves and others.You don’t need to be “good” at drawing to enjoy nature journaling — curiosity and noticing are much more important than artistic skill. Through simple, enjoyable step-by-step exercises, we’ll explore drawing as a way of paying attention — drawing to see more clearly.
During this workshop you will:
- Practice simple observation and drawing skills
- Create a personal record of the seasons
- Develop creativity and mindful attention
We will immerse ourselves in the trees as we take time to practise this enjoyable lifelong skill, learning to slow down and see the woodland in new ways, moving between noticing the big picture and small details of light, colour, pattern and texture.
The journal page becomes a place to capture and deepen our experiences while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Silk Wood.These small-group artist-led workshops (maximum 10 participants) allow space for quiet observation, personal guidance and shared learning.
We will use the Community Shelter in Silk Wood as our base for guidance, sharing and journaling, with short walks to nearby spots and some quiet solo time.This workshop is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. You can work quietly in your own way, or take part in a series of gentle warm-up exercises exploring observation, drawing techniques and ways of working outdoors in changing conditions.
The day is designed to be relaxed and supportive — a chance to try things out, ask questions and learn from each other.We will also explore the idea of “glimmers” — small moments of beauty and connection in nature that calm our nervous systems and spark curiosity.
Most importantly, you’ll leave feeling nourished by a few hours of slow connection with nature, with journal pages to look back on — perhaps the beginning of a nature journaling practice you can return to again and again.
Concessions and multi-session discounts available at this booking link.
All details and booking here1 attendee
Past events
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